Know-How Exchange : Website Critique

Hi Stephanie,
We actually just ran into this question for a client, and agreed that it depends on the perception that would be achieved by viewers looking at your staff profiles.

For instance, if your staff is relatively young, there could be a misperception of inexperience, depending on the industry you are working in. Or if there are only a few staff members, showing them as a group in it's entirety could make you appear too small of an organization to generate the presence you are looking for online.

However, if you have a solid, mixed-age staff that has been with your organization an average of at least a couple years, then I would recommend including photos to make your company more personable, more attentive and approachable. Just make sure to crop out the tequila shots in the pictures!

Melissa

The practice is more prevalent in small and medium companies than large ones.

For the person viewing them, they are intended to add a level of confidence in the management and founders that the company you're considering doing business with may be in good hands and experienced. They also add a level of personality, that the company is accessible and personable and interested in your needs as a client.

The only concern may be if there is a problem with stalkers or people with a big bone to pick - they may have a little too much information that they otherwise wouldn't have.

I think it is a good practice for companies where the content of the management team is a key value-add to their market presence (financial services, consulting, highly technical, etc.). It is less effective (necessary) for such businesses as a shoe store, or a small widget manufacturer.

Bob

I believe in photos. Here is why: often customers and potential business partners want to meet key members of your staff at association meetings and other networking events. And, even though nametags are everywhere, it helps to know what the person looks like.